Friendship Hill National Historic Site

Pressing on in the rain, I passed very quickly through West Virginia into Pennsylvania where I'd already been to the high point and the state capitol. So, I took the opportunity to see two small NPS units in the southwest. First up was Friendship Hill National Historic Site, home of Albert Gallatin, an early Secretary of the Treasury for the U.S.

The site is his old house (still about 50% original) and the surrounding grounds. The house was way out on the frontier back to the late 1700's, and part of the story was about how his 2nd wife was unhappy so far from civilization. Having been to plenty of such houses, this one was nothing special.

But his story was interesting, coming to America from Switzerland, getting involved in setting up various businesses, most notably a glass works, and in teaching French when business was bad. He came from an influential family, which led him to having good connections in America. Thus, when he entered the political world, he was sought after by those in leadership.

His lasting fame came in developing a monetary policy for the young US, trying to get it out from under the burdensome debt of the Revolutionary War. His actions as Secretary of the Treasury under Jefferson also earned him credit with Lewis and Clark, who named a river in Montana for him, since he'd basically financed their adventure.

Visitor's Ratings (out of 5)
Significance: 2 -- he's a 2nd-tier figure in early American history, but that's made up for by this being his actual house
Beauty: 2 -- rolling hills of western Pennsylvania
Fun: 2 -- a house to explore, but many footpaths through the grounds
Overall: 2 -- interesting enough if you're in the area.

Accessibility: An hour off I-70 from the west, 40 minutes from I-79, 20 min from I-68..
Logistics/signs: 2 -- not much of a movie, and the placards about his life were virtually strewn through the building in little order.
Time required: about an hour
Time to visit: anytime -- mostly indoors.
Kid friendliness: low